Hebbe Falls :

Adventure lovers are promised a bone rattling yet thrilling drive of 13 km, through forested paths (sometimes no paths at all) from Kemmanagundi to Hebbe Falls. A four wheel experience is the only way to manoeuvre through the bumpy road. There are local jeeps available at the base of Kemmanagundi that charge anywhere around Rs 300-500 for a return trip on a sharing basis. After the 13 km ride, one has to reach the falls on foot, after crossing two shallow streams. The effort is absolutely worth your while as you watch the 551 ft drop from the base. There are two stages of the waterfall: Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls)

Kemmanagundi :

Kemmanagundi lies almost 500 m below the highest Karnataka peak, Mullayanagiri, the views from here are equally riveting as the hills cascade down, draped in coffee bushes. It is more accessible than the higher mountain loop and is embellished by pit stops for tourists; an unimpressive rock garden and a government run children’s park are part of Kemmanagundi area but can be avoided. This does not hamper dozens of camera happy tourists enjoying the lush green environs as a backdrop to perfect pictures. What is not to miss is the few spots from where you can see the clouds fill up the valley for a mesmerising view. This was the very reason King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV chose this as a summer retreat. There are a handful of restaurants, viewing decks and even a place to stay maintained by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Board. Raj Bhavan is one of the most popular viewing points of the hill top. If you’re running short of time, stick with the Sheethalagiri-Baba Budan Giri- Mullayanagiri circuit and give this one a miss. The only veritable reason why one should visit Kemmanagundi, is because it is the only access point to Hebbe Falls. Local four wheel jeeps can be hired from here to get to the beautiful untouched waterfalls.

Kalhatti Falls

Chikmagalur has a large forest cover and entire hillsides covered with plantations, it is not uncommon to see many small and big waterfalls and rivulets around the area. One of the most popular amongst the religious travellers is the Kalhatti waterfall, even though it is far smaller than the nearby Hebbe Falls. From Kemmanagundi, the drive to Kalhatti is only 10 km. The spot can be recognised with a swathe of people, buses and cars on the main road itself. Stop here, and walk a short distance to the base of the falls. Even though it does not match up to the impression of Hebbe Falls, it makes for a great stop for those who like to tick things of the list when visiting a destination. A temple of Lord Veerabhadra stands at the base of the 122 me drop. The falls are also known as the Kalahasti falls by the locals. There are a few local shops here where one can stop for a quick snack. The waterfall lies on the same loop of Mullayangiri, Baba Budan Giri and Seethalagiri hills along with Kemmanagundi. It is easy to pack this in one day of sightseeing, in the same direction.

Monument Trail of Hoysala Temples

The famous Hoysala temple circuit is a short detour when driving from Bangalore to Chikmagalur. Apart from Halebidu and Belur, there are a number of others that are sprinkled within a radius of 10 km from here. The key hook for this circuit is the pair of Belur and Halebidu, constructed during the 11th-13th century Hoysala regime. Though 92 temples were constructed during the period, only 3 of them were exquisitely carved and remain the most popular till this date―Somanathapura, Belur and Halebidu. Though this sector is more famed, there is a hidden gem closer to Chikmagalur. A pleasant break from the fatigued circuit of tourists, the Belavadi Temple is for those who like some tranquillity. Part of the Hoysala lineage, Belavadi falls only 29 km from the city.